SHIRLEY MAY SPARRS, 78, A longtime Burlington area resident passed away on Thursday November 14, 2002 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon following an extended illness.
She was born on November 24, 1923 in Mount Vernon, WA, the daughter of Ashleigh M. & Bertha R. Moen Flowers. As a young girl she moved to California where she was raised until returning to Burlington where she graduated from B-EHS in 1941. She was married to George I. Sparrs in Mount Vernon, WA on October 7, 1946 and they made their home in Burlington. Shirley assisted George in their construction company for many years until his retirement. George preceded her in death in 1985.
Shirley has spent the past 15 years traveling with her special companion and friend, Helge Sorenson. She also enjoyed painting, gardening, Sunday dinners and had a fondness for animals and much much love for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed camping at the ocean with her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Karleen Penne Penley-Sparrs of Burlington. 3 grandsons, Ken Janet Fellers and Kirk Kelly Fellers all of Mount Vernon, and Keith Fellers of Burlington and 1 granddaughter, Michelle Jim Lofgren of Burlington. 6 great-grandchildren, Angela and Heather Fellers and Heather’s fiancee, Anthony Zylstra, Brittney and Kayla Fellers and Mitchell and Emily Lofgren. 1 great-great-grandchild, Isaiah Lopez. 4 sisters, Dorothy Jerry Kelly, Rita Hangstefer, Anita Ted Ricci and Patricia Ed Bass. 1 brother, Wilfred Flowers. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Family suggests memorials be made to the Skagit Humane Society.
A Celebration of Life for family & friends will be held on Sunday November 24, 2002, beginning at 2:00 PM at Shirley’s home, 1500 E. Rio Vista, in Burlington. A graveside inurnment service will be held on Friday December 6, 2002 at 1:30 PM at the Burlington Cemetery. Cremation and service arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share thoughts and memories of Shirley and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com